MORE | Fall 2021

Nucleic Acid Delivery from 3D-Printed Scaffolds

3D printing/bioprinting and gene activated matrix are promising techniques to fabricate scaffolds with well-controlled and patient-specific structures and gene delivery for tissue engineering. In this study, we developed derivatives of silk bioink consisting of silk fibroin mixture then 3D printed into scaffolds and further treated with therapeutic DNA. The scaffolds would be evaluated for gene delivery, cell growth, transient gene expression and therapeutic effect in mice. Scaffolds are designed to mimic extracellular matrix by providing structural support as well as promoting cell attachment and proliferation with minimum inflammation while degrading at a controlled rate. Scaffolds with DNA offer new potential in medicine by aiding in the preparation of personalized and controlled release therapeutic systems.